Just as it is for most players making their first varsity start, Desare Allen felt a bit nervous about the situation.

But if Allen was having any jitters, it certainly didn’t show on the floor. The Midland High sophomore post scored four consecutive key points in the third period of the Lady Bulldogs’ semifinal game of the Byron Johnston Holiday Classic against El Paso Americas, igniting the Lady Dawgsto a 37-32 victory at Chaparral Center.

“Nerve-wracking,” said Allen of her emotions heading into her first varsity start. “I was nervous.”

With the win, the Lady Dawgs advance to the championship game against Plainview at 3:30 p.m. today at Chaparral Center. It’s the eighth time in the past 13 years Midland High and Plainview have met in the Byron Johnston title game. Plainview has won all seven of those previous meetings, including last season’s matchup with thrilling 52-50 victory.

But for nearly three periods of play, the Lady Dawgs’ appearance in the championship game for a third straight season seemed in doubt. Midland High trailed Americas 19-16 at halftime and found itself tied with the Trailblazers at 22 with less than two minutes to play in the third period.

That’s when Allen, who started in the place of injury senior Megan Woodard, took control. After drawing a foul and connecting on two free throws to put the Lady Dawgs up 24-22, Allen then took advantage of a deflected pass by fellow post Catarina Rendon.

The Midland High sophomore broke on the loose ball in the back court and quickly made her way, unimpeded for a layup that gave MHS a 26-22 advantage with 1:32 left in the third period. The Lady Dawgs didn’t trail in the game again.

“All I saw was the ball being tipped off and took it in for the layup,” said Allen, who finished with six points.

But it wasn’t just on offense where Allen made an impact. She also proved pivotal on the boards, pulling down a game-high nine rebounds, while also being asked to guard Americas’ most talented player — freshman post Adeola Akomolafe.

Allen matched Akomolafe in every fashion, holding her to six points and nine rebounds.

“I felt really privileged to guard their best player,” Allen said. “It made me feel like I had to really step up and play better.”

Akomolafe did hit a tough basket in the game’s final minutes, driving to the basket and managing to get a layup to go in over two MHS defenders to pull the Lady Blazers within 33-30 with 2:01 to play. Lady Blazers junior guard Maria Olivas then hit a layup with 53 seconds remaining, making it a 33-32 MHS lead.

The Lady Blazers were forced to start fouling the Lady Dawgs, though, and fouled the wrong player. MHS senior Krystal Valdez did what she’s done all season — knock down key free throws in clutch situations. Valdez went 4-for-4 at the line in the game’s final 32 seconds, securing the MHS victory.